Airline accused of fat shaming

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer A Tinian inter-island airline has been accused of discrimination by the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) after it sought to have a “weight specific” officer assigned, in line with the aircraft’s weight limitations. Star Marianas, which has been offering complimentary transport for USCBP personnel from Saipan to Rota to…

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Strengthening Global Social Protection: Cambodia’s Success and Lessons for the Future and for the Pacific Islands

written by Samheng Boros  Social protection is the foundation of any nation’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens. It serves as a vital safety net, helping vulnerable populations, supporting economic stability, and ensuring long-term growth. Around the world, countries are refining their approaches to social welfare, tailoring programs to fit their unique needs and challenges….

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Winston Peters heads to French Pacific

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, will visit French Polynesia after attending the UN General Assembly in New York. During his trip, he will emphasize New Zealand’s commitment to the international rules-based order and the need for collective solutions to global challenges. After his trip to New York, Peters will…

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Kiwi pilot freed by West Papua rebels

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer After being held captive in West Papua, Indonesia for over 1.5 years, New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been freed and is receiving medical attention. Indonesian President Joko Widodo praised the successful negotiations, which prioritized Mehrtens’ safety. The pilot was picked up by a joint team in Nduga Regency and…

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PNG tribes inspired by Pope, call for peace

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Following the visit of Pope Francis, Leaders of rival clans in Papua New Guinea’s Enga province have agreed to peace negotiations following a violent five-day conflict marked by revenge killings. The police reported that 32 people lost their lives, 60 sustained serious injuries, and 59 homes were destroyed. In a…

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Fiji coup leader pardoned

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer George Speight, the instigator of the 2000 coup in Fiji, along with former soldier Shane Stevens, the leader of the mutineers, has received Presidential pardons. On Thursday, the Fiji Correction Service announced that they were among seven inmates granted pardons by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, following recommendations from the Mercy…

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New Caledonia bush fires

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer New Caledonia is currently facing a series of bushfires, particularly in the northwestern part of Grande Terre, leading local firefighters to suspect arson. Since early September, efforts have been underway to manage multiple fires in the northern area, particularly around the small towns of Koumac, Pouembout, and Kaala-Gomen in the…

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US Navy launches gender neutral sub

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer USS New Jersey, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine designed from the keel up to accommodate both male and female crew members has entered service with the US Navy.  The silent service has been men-only since its inception in the early 1900s, until the Pentagon began allowing women on board subs in…

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New Caledonian delegation to visit Paris

by Jake Sanders, Editor A bipartisan group from New Caledonia is scheduled to travel to Paris next week. French media reports that they will engage with significant officials, including the presidents of both parliamentary chambers. Their visit will take place from September 23 to October 4 and will feature four Members of Parliament from New…

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US hikes tariffs on Chinese goods

by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Washington has finalized tariff hikes on billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese imports, US trade representative Katherine Tai announced on Friday. The new levies will notably affect goods such as electric vehicles and semiconductors. The tariff hikes were first announced by the White House in May of this year, but the…

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